Toxic ingestion is a significant health hazard for pets, yet it is more common than many people think. Our homes and yards contain several substances that are perfectly safe for people but can lead to poisoning in pets if ingested. Knowing the potential dangers to your furry friend and the symptoms of toxic ingestion can help you get the prompt care necessary to save your pet’s life. Bay Road Animal Hospital in Sarasota, FL, is here to tell you about poisoning in pets and how we can treat it.

Substances That Are Harmful to Pets

Many foods, household items, and garden plants or flowers can lead to severe health complications if your pet ingests them. Some of the most common substances that pose significant dangers to pets include:

•             Human food: Raw or cooked garlic and onions, grapes, raisins, chocolate, nuts, avocados, tomatoes, and alcohol

•             Household plants: Tulips, azaleas, daffodil bulbs, rhododendrons, and poinsettias

•             Prescription medications for people: Tylenol, Advil, Aleve, and other drugs

•             Household products: Bleach, laundry or dish detergents, cleaning products, pool chemicals, antifreeze, and lawn or garden products

You can take precautions to keep these items away from your pet to eliminate the risk of toxic ingestion. Always keep dangerous foods and household cleaners locked away or out of your pet’s reach. Empty garbage cans more frequently to prevent your curious pet from digging in the trash and eating a toxic substance.

Symptoms of Pet Intoxication

Understanding the signs and symptoms of pet poisoning is crucial for ensuring it gets the prompt treatment necessary to save its life. Some of the most common symptoms to watch out for include:

•             Uncontrolled vomiting or diarrhea

•             Excessive panting or drooling

•             Tremors

•             Seizures

•             Agitation

•             Lethargy

Contact our animal hospital immediately if your pet has any of the above symptoms. Our veterinarians can provide prompt treatment to flush the toxin out of your pet’s system. Early intervention improves health outcomes significantly for toxic ingestion.

How to Handle Toxic Ingestion

The first step toward handling toxic ingestion is notifying our animal hospital immediately. Try to pinpoint the poisonous substance your pet ingested if possible. Doing this helps us make a quicker, more accurate diagnosis and treatment for your pet. Our veterinarians may induce vomiting to get the toxin out of your pet’s system. More severe cases of toxic ingestion may require flushing the substance out with a stomach tube or through surgery.

See Your Veterinarian Near You in Sarasota, FL, for Toxic Ingestion Treatment

If your pet ate a toxic substance and requires immediate attention from a “veterinarian near you,” contact our veterinarians and staff at Bay Road Animal Hospital in Sarasota, FL. We can get the toxin out of your pet’s system and help it quickly recover. Call us and schedule an appointment today at our Bay Road West office at (941) 366-2275 or our Honore and 17th St. office at (941) 378-1236 to ensure the health and safety of your pet.